First off I want to send my condolences to those closest to Stephanie, and those who had the privilege of knowing this beautiful girl. I first met Stephanie on my baseball team that her sister Julie coached when we were just 11-12 years old. I remember we had yellow and purple jerseys. It was the first all girls team I played on and I have some of my best memories playing baseball with that team. We would cheer all game long. We sang songs to cheer everyone on and Stephanie was apart of that. We also went to her house on the lake for a baseball party and I remember swimming all day long. It wasn't until years later that my brother Kevin found his first love when they both attended Lansing Baptist Church. I never really understood them. If anything, I was the annoyed little sister that fought over the phone with Kevin because he would always hog it. I couldn't even be nosy either because they had their own language that they talked in (pig latin). I used to get so mad because he would stay on the phone for hours. Not only did they talk for hours on the phone, but when they were together they were like two little mice whispering back and forth on the couch as they sat side by side. I always wanted to know why they were so secretive. As time went on, and I grew older, I remember looking back on that first love of my brother's and thinking that is was actually pretty cute that they were like that. I remember Stephanie coming over to our house for dinner and she was always quiet. I always thought she was so sweet though. When we did talk, she was always so kind. She could light up a room with her smile. The love she portrayed for those around her was well known. She was always so much fun to be around. I remember going to youth groups with her and being on her team in some of the games we would play. I don't remember a time she wasn't happy. Not around me anyways... After we moved away from Sudbury, I lost touch with her. This news is so tragic to me. No matter how long you go without seeing somebody, you still feel lost when you hear of such things. I can truly close my eyes and hear her laugh. I can hear her voice. I can see her smile. I knew Stephanie when she wore her glasses, and her hair straight down. She was always so naturally beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends right now. May Stephanie watch over all of those mourning over this loss and bring warmth to their hearts in this time of grieving. Memories shared are beautiful and holding them tight and never forgetting what a beautiful person she was inside and out is what will keep her spirit alive. Gone but never forgotten. Until we meet again.